Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 100: Will go to war

Chapter 100: Will go to war

Belle allowed the maids to tend to her, choosing not to resist. Dismissing them would only burden Maddie, who oversaw the women of the castle. Though the idea of personal attendants unsettled her, having only ever had Mia as her maid back at the Duke’s estate—she decided to endure it for Maddie’s sake.

Once dressed, she made her way toward the dining hall, her maids trailing closely behind.

As she neared the entrance, a maid came rushing toward her, breathless by the time she reached her side.

"Your Grace, your presence is requested in the side hall," the maid relayed, causing Belle’s brows to furrow.

The side hall?

Could it be Hezekiah? But if he wished to speak with her, why not summon her to his chambers or the garden?

"What is this about?" She asked, watching as the maid hesitated, shifting her fingers anxiously.

Belle’s frown deepened. So, it isn’t Hezekiah? The only other possibility was the twelve elders.

"Very well, you may go," she instructed, choosing not to press further. The maid bowed quickly and hurried off.

As Belle made her way toward the side hall, her thoughts raced.

If the twelve elders were against her, it likely had something to do with her father. And if Hezekiah had truly resolved to marry her, going so far as to fabricate a pregnancy, there was bound to be conflict. How could she prevent both sides from having a conflict?

Upon reaching the doors, she took a deep breath, straightened her posture, and stepped inside.

Seated upon the throne was Hezekiah, looking composed, as if nothing had transpired the night before. To his left, twelve individuals stood in silence.

Belle blinked. These are the twelve elders?

She had expected a council of old men and women, yet among them were two teenagers and several others who appeared to be around her own age.

As she swept her gaze across the room, her eyes met Quinn’s. He had turned slightly in her direction, but the moment their gazes locked, she quickly averted hers, memories of the previous night rushing back.

"Compose yourself," she chided, smoothing her expression into a polite smile before stepping further inside.

She moved to stand before Hezekiah, bowing slightly.

"Your Majesty," she greeted, keeping her head lowered, avoiding his gaze.

He acknowledged her with a nod. "You have arrived. Stand beside me." And she obeyed without question.

Hezekiah, well aware that she was still upset with him, chose not to address it, at least, not until the meeting had concluded.

Suddenly, a voice rang out from the entrance.

"Your Majesty, forgive our delay."

All heads turned toward the doors,except for Quinn, who remained unmoved.

Belle frowned as her gaze landed on her father and two other ministers. What were they doing here?

If this was a decision for the twelve elders, what business did the ministers have in the matter? And why was Quinn present today?

"Your Majesty, we, the twelve elders have received your letter. After a day of urgent deliberation, we have devised a resolution that will ease the concerns of both the ministers and the kingdom."

One of the older men stepped forward, holding a scroll in his hands.

"Thank you for answering my summons," Hezekiah replied, accepting the scroll from a guard who had retrieved it from the elder.

As his eyes scanned the contents, his brow furrowed, his expression darkening with each passing second. Then, without warning, he shot to his feet and flung the scroll to the floor.

"This is your so-called resolution?! I do not approve of it!" He thundered, his voice reverberating through the hall.

The twelve elders, however, remained unfazed.

Belle’s eyes widened, flickering toward the discarded scroll. Though she had yet to read it, she already had an idea of what it contained. So, the twelve elders were against her as well?

"Your Majesty," the elder continued, his tone calm and composed, "I assume you have heard the rumors surrounding Lady Belle. It is said that she is the reason the vampires have begun their attacks and the reason you have yet to retaliate. Now that the kingdom is aware of her identity as the Duke’s former wife, the resentment toward her has only grown."

Belle clenched her fists against the fabric of her gown.

She was well aware of the rumors, thanks to Mia’s insistence on attending the fair. No doubt they had worsened now that the truth about her identity had spread.

The elder pressed on. "This was the best resolution we could devise, and we assure you, Your Majesty, that it is in your best interest. We bear no prejudice against the future queen."

Scoffing, Hezekiah repeated, "Best interest? Sending her to war for two months is in my best interest?" His voice was laced with disbelief. "We don’t even know what the vampires intend! The war could last far longer, and she could lose her life."

Belle inhaled sharply. They wanted to send her to war? And here she was thinking the content of the scroll was about her dismissal. Interesting.

"That is the only way to prove to the people that she is worthy of being their queen," an older woman interjected, stepping forward. "We have also been informed that she has undergone training and is capable of defending herself. With the Duke of the North at her side, no harm will befall her."

Hezekiah’s jaw clenched, he knew this was all Quinn’s plan. He should have suspected something was wrong with Quinn’s quiet move these days. That was the only answer to the question on how the elders knew of the war they were supposed to be informed of today.

"Are you all out of your minds? I will never approve of this, no matter what reasoning you present!" He bellowed.

Silence settled over the hall. Quinn smirked, clearly enjoying the scene.

Belle, with a determined look, raised her head and announced. "I will go to war with the Duke of the North."